Pricing garnet is a fairly straightforward process. You are basically looking at three major factors:

1. Color quality: Examine the stone from all angles over a variety of backgrounds and under different light sources: think vivid, rich, uniform color. Since garnet comes in such a vast array of color and value, only compare stones of like quality and price.
   

2. Clarity: With all gemstones, clarity is the degree to which a stone is free from flaws. One of the great things about garnet is that it normally has very high clarity (eye-clean). This makes for beautiful, transparent stones and removes a lot of work from your examination process. However, as you are observing garnet for color quality, you should also be on the lookout for inclusions (internal flaws) and blemishes (external flaws) that either mar uniformity of color or threaten the durability of the stone.
   

3. Size: Even though extremely large garnet is found, its color is usually not of gem quality. Therefore, size plays a big part in valuing garnet. Especially when it comes to the highly prized and lustrous demantoid and tsavorite green varieties. In fact, size is the main reason that garnet prices cover such a wide range from $5 to over $5000 per carat.
   

As a general rule in gemstone shopping, it is best to think in terms of price-per-carat rather than total cost. It's also a good idea to only compare stones of equal quality, cut, size and color. This is because there are too many factors involved in valuing gemstones to make a standard price guide possible.

Cleaning your garnet is simple as well. Gently scrub your stone in warm soapy water with a soft brush. Ultrasonic cleaners can be used for all varieties except the more fragile demantoid type.